The iPhone SE 4 Might Be Apple’s Biggest Budget iPhone Upgrade Ever—And It Might Finally Ditch the Home Button

Apple’s next-generation budget-friendly iPhone is set to debut soon, with rumors pointing to an imminent launch.

As anticipation builds, here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the upcoming iPhone SE 4.

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Design

Apple is making significant changes to the iPhone SE, aligning it more closely with the iPhone 14. The device will feature a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, signaling the end of smaller iPhones in the lineup.

The design mirrors the iPhone 14, with an all-screen front and aluminum-glass build.
Unlike its predecessor, it will lack the traditional bezels, making the increase in display size feel more seamless.
Expect a single-lens rear camera instead of the dual-lens setup seen on the iPhone 14.

Display

The iPhone SE 4 is moving away from LCD screens, making way for a more durable and visually impressive OLED display.

Apple will introduce Ceramic Shield for improved drop and scratch resistance.
This marks the end of LCD technology in the iPhone lineup, as every new model will feature OLED displays.

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No More Lightning

Apple is continuing its transition to USB-C, leaving Lightning ports behind.

The iPhone SE 4 will feature a USB-C charging port, bringing it in line with Apple’s latest devices.
The removal of the Lightning port marks a significant shift, leaving only older-generation models with the outdated connector.

No More Touch ID

With the shift to an iPhone 14-style design, Apple is fully embracing Face ID, eliminating the Home button.

The iPhone SE 4 will no longer include Touch ID, making Face ID the standard authentication method.
Face ID is significantly more secure, with a lower likelihood of unauthorized access compared to Touch ID.
Despite the design update, the new iPhone SE will retain a notch rather than adopting the Dynamic Island.

MagSafe

The iPhone SE 4 will introduce MagSafe, bringing compatibility with Apple’s growing ecosystem of accessories.

This allows for better wireless charging and compatibility with MagSafe accessories.
The current iPhone SE does not support MagSafe, making this a notable upgrade.

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A18 Chip and 8GB RAM

Apple is equipping the iPhone SE 4 with top-tier performance capabilities by incorporating its latest chip.

The A18 chip, also in iPhone 16’s, will enhance speed and efficiency.
With 8GB of RAM, the device will have double the memory of its predecessor.
This improvement ensures longevity and access to Apple Intelligence features.

Camera

The iPhone SE 4 will focus on a single-lens camera, but that doesn’t mean a downgrade in quality.

Apple may use a 48-megapixel Wide lens, similar to the iPhone 16.
This upgrade will enhance photo quality, enable advanced portrait features, and offer better digital zoom capabilities.

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Storage Space

Apple may standardize storage options across its lineup, eliminating the lowest-tier offering.

While not confirmed, the 64GB storage option will likely be phased out in favor of a 128GB starting capacity.

Connectivity

Apple is introducing its first in-house modem, marking a step away from reliance on Qualcomm.

The new modem won’t support mmWave 5G but will connect to 6GHz networks.
This transition will set the foundation for future Apple-developed modems across all iPhones.

Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection

Apple is expected to integrate critical safety features into its latest budget device.

Emergency SOS via Satellite and Crash Detection, first introduced in the iPhone 14, may be included.
These features allow users to seek help in emergencies, even in remote locations.

Battery Life

A larger design means more space for a bigger battery, improving longevity compared to previous SE models.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to offer up to 20 hours of video playback.
This marks a substantial upgrade from the 15-hour battery life of the current iPhone SE.

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Pricing

With premium features making their way into Apple’s budget lineup, a price increase is possible.

While the iPhone SE 3 starts at $429, the SE 4 could see a price hike but remain under $500.

No Launch Event

Apple isn’t planning a major event for the iPhone SE 4’s launch, opting for a quieter release.

Expect an announcement via a press release on Apple’s website instead of a keynote presentation.
The new iPhone SE is expected to be introduced around February 11, coinciding with the launch of Apple’s new Powerbeats earbuds.

Following its announcement, Apple will likely open pre-orders before shipping the device later in February.

Wrap Up

If the rumors hold true, the fourth-gen iPhone SE could finally bring Apple’s budget phone in line with the rest of the lineup.

With the right price, it might be the perfect choice for those who want a modern iPhone without paying for extras like the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button.

Would you pick the iPhone SE 4 over the latest flagship models, or do you need those premium features? Let us know what you think.